Doctor Messi: Argentine legend set for honorary doctorate before farewell

Lionel Messi is set to add an unusual distinction to his remarkable career as Argentina’s leading university is set to award him an honorary doctorate just hours before his expected farewell for the national team.

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) has unanimously approved the conferment of its highest honorary distinction, the Doctor Honoris Causa, on the Argentina captain in recognition of his football achievements and his wider influence on the country.

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The ceremony will take place on October 6, ahead of Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium, which is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for the national side.

UBA said the honour was not simply a recognition of Messi’s extraordinary statistics and success on the pitch, but also of the qualities he has displayed throughout his career, including perseverance, humility and his commitment to representing Argentina.

The university highlighted Messi’s role in Argentina’s major international triumphs, including the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. His international career has also included Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain after extra time.

UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution wanted to recognise the person behind the numbers and trophies.

“Beyond what all Argentinians know about Messi, regardless of the numbers and statistics that attest to his status as an athlete, we also want to recognise a humble, persevering person, an example and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity,” Gelpi said.

Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said Messi had embodied the values associated with the Argentina shirt and taken the national team to the highest level of international football.

The honorary doctorate comes as Argentina prepares a series of tributes for Messi, who is set to bring the curtain down on a 21-year international career.

The Monumental farewell is expected to be the centrepiece of those celebrations, with Messi receiving another major honour earlier that day before taking the field for what could be his final appearance in Argentina colours.

UBA said its honorary doctorate is traditionally awarded to individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional field, making Messi’s recognition a tribute not only to his football career but also to his broader impact on Argentine society.